[Cadaverous Pallor]

Yeah, I only give to street musicians. If they are adding pleasantly to the atmosphere, I think they earned it. There's a rotating cast of guitar, steel drum, and keyboard players at our farmer's market, and I nearly always pay them. It just wouldn't be as fun there without live music.

I don't give to panhandlers simply because I don't think it helps them at all. As you guys say, sometimes one will appeal to me for some unknown reason, but that's very rare. Sure, they would be happy for a minute or an evening, but I think it's enabling. Giving money to causes that work on homelessness itself is ten times as useful. Better yet, support public policies that help provide mental health services for everyone!